Capital Gardens buys Studley Green from Hillview

London independent garden centre, Capital has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Studley Green Garden Centre in High Wycombe.

Studley Green was operated by Hillview Garden Centres for four years, and its acquisition forms part of Capital Gardens’ UK expansion plans. The deal takes Capital Garden’s estate to four, as the independent group, headed up by Colin Campbell-Preston, also owns and manages Alexandra Palace, Neals Nursery and Woods of Berkhamsted.

Explaining the reason for the sale, Hillview CEO Boyd J Douglas-Davies said: “Over the last couple of years, we have been refining our model and as we worked through this process it become apparent that the site at Studley Green wasn’t going to be suitable for this model. Whilst it is a superb, traditional centre it also sits outside of our geographical area of operations. Therefore, I’m delighted that the team have joined Capital Gardens as I’m confident they will flourish as part of their group”

Studley Green will remain open to the public as it changes hands. A new centre manager Phil Munn, formerly at Bicester, a Wyevale Garden Centre, will oversee the change including new brands and enhanced plant ranges. All existing staff have been retained

Existing popular franchises will also remain and continue their offers, including a ‘Doggy Day Care’ and dog groomers, Barking Barbers.

Capital gardens explained that plans for the new centre will include enhancing customer service, providing quality plants and a wider product offering, as well as introducing footfall driving events and strong ties with the local community.

Capital Gardens managing director Colin Campbell-Preston commented: “We are incredibly excited to have acquired Studley Green as part of our growing portfolio of garden centres across London and the south-east. We are looking forward to implementing our unique business blueprint based on a strong plant offering, and putting our signature Capital Garden stamp onto the centre to establish it as a leading garden centre in the local area. We want to keep Studley Green at the heart of the community and look forward to what the future has to hold!”

Studley Green centre manager Phil Munn said: “Studley Green is a fantastic intimate garden centre and I am looking forward to working with Capital Gardens and my new team to revitalise its offering as a place for gardeners to shop, relax and learn.”